Ukraine seethes after Russian language law voted in

Ukrainian opposition activists clash with riot police on July 4, 2012 during a protest in Kiev against a new language law. Several people were left covered in blood and broken glass littered the street. The police used tear gas in an apparent bid to bring the situation under control.

Efrem Lukatsky / AP

Opposition protesters spray tear gas against riot police in front of the Ukrainian House in central Kiev on July 4, 2012.

Efrem Lukatsky / AP

Blood is seen on a face of a riot policeman during a clash with opposition protesters in central Kiev on July 4, 2012.

Protesters, led by opposition members of parliament defending the role of Ukrainian as the only state language, had massed in front of a building where President Viktor Yanukovich was due to hold a press briefing.

"There are millions of us and they cannot pretend that nothing has happened," said Vitali Klitschko, the world heavyweight boxing champion who has founded his own opposition party - Udar (Blow), and took part in Wednesday's protest.